eighteen cubits That is, nearly thirty feet, English measure. But in the parallel place in Chronicles, these pillars are said to thirty-five cubits high. Tremellius reconciles this difference by observing, that the common cubit was but one-half of the cubit of the sanctuary; so that eighteen of the one would make thirty-six of the other; from which, if we deduct one cubit for the base, there will remain thirty-five. Notwithstanding the {names} of these pillars, they seem to have supported not part of the building, and appear to have been formed for ornament; and were no doubt also emblematical. The right pillar was called {Jachin}, which signifies, `He will establish;' while that on the left was named {Boaz}, `In it is strength.' Some think they were intended for for memorials of the pillars and cloud of fire, which led Israel through the wilderness; but Henry supposes them designed for memorandums to the priests and others that came to worship at God's door.